Abstract: A simple solar heating system incorporates a heat dissipater into a heat exchange circuit for bypassing solar collectors when either the temperature or the pressure in the heat exchange circuit exceeds preset limits. In the absence of electric controllers, fluid in the heat exchange circuit is caused to bypass the solar collectors using a valve which is controlled by either the temperature or pressure of the fluid. A solar photovoltaic panel energizes a circulating pump for increasing the rate of pumping as more solar energy is available at the PV panel and decreasing the rate as solar energy decreases.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a primary solar receiver and a secondary solar receiver. The secondary solar receiver generates steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. The primary solar receiver receives the generated steam from the secondary solar receiver and superheats the steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. A plurality of heliostat-mounted mirrors reflects incident solar radiation onto one of the primary and secondary solar receivers. A controller aims a portion of the heliostat-mounted mirrors at the primary solar receiver such that a predetermined thermal profile is provided on a surface of the primary solar receiver.

Abstract: An energy farm system that harnesses energy from the environment has an integrated energy collector that harnesses solar light radiation, solar heat radiation, and harnesses wind energy. Some embodiments of the collector may be used for powering lights on a pole, communication equipment outdoors, and be suitable for powering homes and buildings. The collector harnesses wind energy by a horizontal axis rotation wind mill, harnesses solar light radiation by using a system of lenses that focus light to the center to the photovoltaic cells, and harnesses solar heat radiation by using a system of lenses that focus heat to the center to a heat exchanger. The collector mounted on a pole receives solar energy from the sun rays, as the sun travels from east to west. The lens elements focus light and heat radiation towards the center of the collector to a solar cell array and a solar energy collector.

Abstract: A solar air heating module is provided including an air entrance situated proximate to a bottom of the module and an air exit situated proximate to the top of the module; a back film, having a plurality of conical solar collectors extending perpendicularly therefrom; a front film in contact with the collectors to prevent air from escaping between the entrance and the exit; wherein air, when entering the entrance, passes by the collectors to mix with heated air before reaching the exit. Alternatively the collectors may be aligned wherein each collector is secured to adjacent collectors by plates or a strap to allow the module to be folded or rolled up for storage.

Abstract: The present invention describes enhancement of non-solar water heating systems (such as systems that operate on gas, diesel fuel, or electricity energy) to work with solar heating panel as well. The retrofitable system addresses the need to provide a simple to install, cheap, and clean add-on solar panel and parts to existing non-solar based heating systems. The hot water extracted from the system has homogeneous temperature, and when water is not taken from the system the hot water are being collected in the existing boiler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for solar overheating of vapour produced by solar energy, using different solar heat producers, wherein the process with the lower maximum possible temperature is essentially used for vapour production and the process with the higher maximum possible temperature is essentially used for vapour overheating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting and utilizing energy generated by the sun, comprising a layered construction provided with a substrate layer and a cover layer comprising a curable mortar, wherein there is arranged on the substrate layer a tube system through which a fluid can be transported in order to regulate the temperature in the tube system, this tube system being at least partially embedded in the mortar, and wherein the mortar of the cover layer comprises insulating granules, cement, water and additives. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a layered construction for a device for collecting and utilizing energy generated by the sun.

Abstract: An integrated alternative energy roofing panel incorporates an array of solar concentrator tubes interconnected with transparent web to form a joined plate supported in frame elements with an attached working fluid manifold. The working fluid in the manifold is operatively in contact with the solar concentrator tubes for transferring heat from the tubes. In one exemplary construction, each of the solar concentrator tubes terminates in a conducting metal sleeve which extends beyond the frame element into the manifold. A safety glass panel is attached to one frame element beneath the joined plate. The joined plate and safety glass panel may be sealed to the frame elements to form a chamber and the chamber may be evacuated. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are embedded in the web for supplemental lighting. An array of photovoltaic cells mounted to a top surface of the manifold and a battery are interconnected for powering the LEDs.

Abstract: A solar water heating and cooling system including a solar energy collection assembly having a heat absorbing element, a heat exchanger and a shield. The system also includes a cooling assembly, the cooling assembly is integral with the shield. The system has a check valve in fluid communication with the solar collection assembly and the cooling assembly, and a fluid pump in fluid communication with the solar energy collection assembly. A working fluid is disposed within the solar energy collection assembly, the cooling assembly, the check valve and the fluid pump. A cooling loop is defined by the solar energy collection assembly, the cooling assembly and the check valve. When the fluid pump is off, the working fluid circulates through the cooling loop, but when the fluid pump is on, the working fluid circulates through a heating loop that is defined by the solar energy collection assembly and the fluid pump.

Abstract: A system for using the waste heat produced from the production of liquefied or solidified heat sink refrigerant in the production of fuel that includes a liquefied or solidified heat sink refrigerant production system, a fuel production system, and a heat exchanger.

Abstract: An energy transfer module coupled to a thermal solar module includes a body having a first end member, a second end member, and four side members configured to enclose a first spatial region within a vicinity of the first end member and a second spatial region within a vicinity of the second end member. The first spatial region is in communication with the second spatial region. The module further includes one or more inlet openings provided at the first end member for inputting fluid flow from the thermal solar module. The module also includes an air filter disposed within the first spatial region to remove one or more impurities from the fluid flow. Additionally, the module includes a fan disposed between the first spatial region and the second spatial region to draw the fluid flow through the air filter. The fan is coupled to a drive motor. The module further includes a heat exchanger disposed in the first spatial region and an outlet provided on the second end member.

Abstract: A heat exchanging structure of a solar heat exchanger 3 includes a housing 5 and a pipe 11. The solar heat exchanger includes a heat-resistant container 8 having an open top and containing a low-melting-point metal 9 and a light receiving plate 10. The housing accommodates the solar heat exchanger. The pipe passes a heat carrier H. The pipe is arranged in a space between the housing and the solar heat exchanger in such a way as not to touch the solar heat exchanger. The heat carrier is surely heated by radiant heat from the solar heat exchanger that is heated to very high temperatures. The light receiving plate has a container-like shape having an open top, and therefore, has a large light receiving area to heat itself to higher temperatures compared with a flat light receiving plate.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting system comprises a manifold defining a closed fluid passage between a condensation point and a heating point. The manifold includes a plurality of heat exchange members configured to be in heat exchange relationship with the fluid passage at the heating point, and a heat sink at the condensation point. A plurality of solar energy collector members extend from and operably connect to the heat exchange members of the manifold. The solar energy collector members collect solar energy and transform it into heat energy. Heat energy is transferred from the solar energy collector members to the heat exchange members and to a fluid in the passage in the manifold at the heating point so as to heat the fluid into a vapor. The fluid is circulated in heat exchange relationship to the condensation point where heat energy is transferred to the heat sink so as to cool the fluid to a liquid.

Abstract: A system for the sequential application of thermal energy subterranean of a structure The system includes a solar thermal collector, fluid for passing through the solar thermal collector for receiving thermal energy therefrom and a pump for passing the fluid through the solar thermal collector and selectively into a plurality of heat exchangers. Each of the heat exchangers is positioned at different levels subterranean and beneath the structure whereby the fluid is selectively introduced to one of the plurality of heat exchangers depending upon a predetermined time of year.

Abstract: A self-powered pump for heated liquid is provided. The pump includes an airtight container for containing the heated liquid. A heated liquid inlet pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container. A heated liquid outlet is lower than the end of the inlet pipe. A breathing pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container and is higher than both of the outlet and the end of the inlet pipe but lower than an interior side of the container top. An opposite end of the breathing pipe is outside the container, lower than the container base, and is received by an open container such that the opposite end can become submerged in heated liquid accumulated within the open container during pump operation. A fluid or liquid heating system incorporating the self-powered pump may operate without external power for the pump.

Abstract: A novel water heat exchanger with a helix coil incorporated into a stainless steel elongated variable diameter cylindrical housing. A buffer tank is incorporated within the lumen of the helix coil. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger utilizes a radial direct-firing burner and a blower-driven hot flue gas to heat water for domestic and commercial use. In one embodiment, at least a rope seal is disposed between adjacent coil loops of a portion of the helix coil for enhancing heat transfer to the helix coil. In one embodiment, solar and electric heating systems are combined with the helix coil heat exchanger and disposed within the buffer tank to provide supplemental heating. In another embodiment, the heat exchanger further comprises a Stirling engine comprised of a free piston having hot and cold ends that is disposed within the cavity taken up the buffer tank, wherein the hot end receives heat from the burner and the cold end is cooled by the incoming cold water line to form an electric power generator.

Abstract: A thermogenerator including several thermocouples that are electrically connected together. The thermocouples are arranged between one hot side of the thermogenerator receiving a thermal flow and a cold side that is arranged at a distance from the hot side. The thermoelectric generator that at least temporarily uses the fed thermal energy efficiently. The thermoelectric generator can be designed as a module including a collector for a thermal solar system and the thermal carrier medium flowing through the collector is guided, at least temporarily, to a thermoelectric generator by a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and system of heating combustion air before the combustion air is received by a hot water or steam boiler. A solar panel oriented to receive radiant energy from the sun is used to heat a fluid. A circulating pump moves the hot fluid through a closed loop to a preheat exchanger that is located in the combustion air stream of the hot water or steam boiler. When the combustion air blower of the hot water or steam boiler is on, heat from the heated circulating fluid in the preheat exchanger is transferred to combustion air going through the preheat exchanger to the combustion air blower of the boiler and to the boiler.

Abstract: A solar chimney includes a solar collector which heats air in the chimney, producing updrafts which can be harnessed to perform useful work. The solar collector may be located inside or outside the chimney. The device may include a reservoir for storing a heat transfer fluid, thus enabling the device to be used during both day and night. The solar chimney may be equipped with both internal and external solar collectors, operating in parallel. The solar chimney may also be equipped with multiple external solar collectors, connected in parallel to a reservoir. The solar chimney of the invention provides a convenient and practical way to convert solar energy into electrical power.

Abstract: A solar water heater includes a number of elongate water heating units which can be interconnected in series. The solar water heater can be installed vertically or inclined to have maximum solar exposure. Each water heating unit can utilize inner and outer glass tubes, which may or may not be a twin glass tube, to collect and conserve solar thermal energy inside. An inner metal water container extends through an opening in the inner and outer glass tubes. Heat transfer elements can be inserted between the inner tube and the metal water container. The solar water heater can work on natural convection and city water pressure.

Abstract: A variety of arrangements and methods relating to a solar water heating system are described. Various implementations involve a relatively lightweight, affordable, low-pressure solar water heating system that is easier to ship and assemble and that is resistant to overheating and freezing damage. In one aspect of the invention, a solar water heating system includes a solar collector panel, a piping system and an improved, self-regulating expansion reservoir. Some designs involve automatic filtration, push fittings, a method for regulating power from a photovoltaic panel, UV resistant polymer components and/or other features. In a particular embodiment of the invention, multiple pumps, a heat exchanger and a controller for a solar water heating system are integrated into a single, compact module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating solar energy in the high earth atmosphere and transmitting the concentrated solar energy to the earth's surface. A system includes a light weight solar concentrator, supported by a light weight, rigid, buoyant, structure (36). The buoyant structure is suspended high in the earth's atmosphere above clouds and weather. Steerable mirrors, and/or a steerable structure, enable the concentrator to track the sun. In one embodiment, a buoyant light pipe (20) enables the transmission of concentrated solar energy from the high altitude concentrator to the earth's surface for further use. The system provides concentrated solar energy for use at any location on the earth, such use including generation of electricity via thermal or photovoltaic means and, direct and indirect process heat. The uses of process heat include desalination and hydrogen or methanol or other fuel production.

Abstract: An energy recovery system (10) including a structure (12) including at least a boundary (14) area made of a material which is substantially transparent to solar radiation, thus to capture solar energy in the internal environment of the structure, a heat pump (19) including a closed fluid circuit (16) which includes a first heat exchanger (18) in which heat from the internal environment of the structure (12) is transferred to the fluid, a second heat exchanger (20) in which heat from the fluid is transferred to a heat energy store (24), and an impeller (22) for moving the fluid from the first heat exchanger (18) where the fluid is at a generally lower pressure to the second heat exchanger (20) where the fluid is at a generally higher pressure, power to drive the impeller (22) being derived solely from the energy stored.

Abstract: A window with an integral solar heat-absorber is provided in a compact, low-cost package. Two transparent panes are separated from one another to provide a first passageway for receiving a working fluid. The periphery of the panes is secured in a frame in which a heat exchanger is also secured, the heat exchanger having a second passageway for the working fluid and a third passageway for a service fluid. The first and second passageways are coupled to make a working fluid circuit.

Abstract: A hot water feeder in which a solar heat collector is used. The feeder has a first heat exchanger for heating a heat medium by solar heat, a second heat exchanger for heating water in a hot-water tank by the heated heat medium, and a heat exchange volume determination unit. The heat exchange volume determination unit calculates the flow rate of the heat medium circulating between the first and second heat exchangers on the basis of the detected temperature of the heat medium fed to the first heat exchanger and the rotational speed of a heat medium circulation pump, and calculates the heat exchange volume on basis of the flow rate and the temperature difference between the detected temperatures.

Abstract: A heat storage apparatus includes heat storage panels having primary fluid passages formed therein; passage plates having secondary fluid passages formed therein; and heat reservoirs. The heat storage panels and the passage plates are layered alternately, and the heat reservoirs are interposed between the heat storage panels and the passage plates in such a manner that the heat reservoirs, the heat storage panels and the passage plates are adhered to one another. Protrusions are formed on surfaces of the heat storage panels in such a manner that the heat reservoirs are supported by the protrusions.

Abstract: Solar electricity generation methods and apparatus are disclosed. In one general aspect, a solar cell is positioned to receive concentrated solar radiation and convert part of it into electricity and part of it into heat. A first heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the solar cell and includes microchannels that have a cross-sectional dimension to the center of the channel that is about equal to or less than the thermal boundary layer thickness for a working fluid. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the photovoltaic solar cell to the working fluid in the microchannels, and a second heat exchanger can then receive the transferred heat via a conduit. This heat can be used to generate additional electricity.

Abstract: A solar power generation system includes a fluid housing, a solar collector, and a heating system. The fluid housing contains a heat transfer medium. The solar collector concentrates solar energy onto the heat transfer medium. The heating system includes at least one gas tank containing a gas and fluidically connected to a first catalyst. The first catalyst is configured to catalyze gas from the gas tank to create hot gas. The heating system also includes a first hot gas pipe fluidically connected to the first catalyst and positioned with respect to the fluid housing such that hot gas flowing through the first hot gas pipe comes into thermal contact with the heat transfer medium within the fluid housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to solar heating systems, storage tanks with heat exchanger that may be used in a solar heating system, methods of constructing solar collection panels, methods of installing solar collection panels, methods of manufacturing and selling solar heat exchange systems, and methods of distributing solar heat exchange system manufacturing facilities. The solar collection panels and heat exchangers may comprise envelope-type configurations wherein one or more dimples are formed in an exterior surface of the solar collection panels or the heat exchangers. The solar collection panels and heat exchangers may have a variety of different shapes and sizes, and may be colored, such as by painting the solar collection panels or heat exchangers.

Abstract: A heat pipe comprises an evaporator section 5 having a radiation absorbing plate 6 a portion of an elongate tube 7, and a condenser section 10 at a distal end of the elongate tube 7 remote from the evaporator section 5. A flow control valve 20 is provided between the evaporator section 5 and the condenser section 10 to selectively interrupt communication between said sections when the temperature within the condenser section 10 exceeds a predetermined maximum. A temperature sensitive member, (coil of memory metal 34?, or discs 34?) acts between a support plate 26 and a seat 36 located on a valve pintle 30 to urge the valve head 22 towards the valve seat 24 when the temperature of the temperature sensitive member 34 exceeds a predetermined limit. A return spring 38 is provided to bias the valve head 22 away from the valve seat 24.

Abstract: A refrigeration-generation solar unit is provided for an air-conditioning system. The system includes a first heat exchanger comprising: absorption machine including a boiler and evaporator, the evaporator including at least a second heat exchanger, and the boiler including at least a third heat exchanger; a plurality of solar collectors; a first cooling fluid circuit between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; and a second heat-transfer fluid circuit between the third heat exchanger and the plurality of solar collectors. The second circuit includes a circulation pump supplying heat-transfer fluid to the plurality of solar collectors and a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the heat-transfer fluid at the outlet of the plurality of solar collectors. The solar unit includes varies the operational delivery rate of the circulation pump according to the fluid temperature recorded by the temperature sensor at the outlet of the plurality of solar collectors.

Abstract: A collector for solar energy is disclosed having a closed hollow partially spherical container with a window for permitting solar energy to enter the container. The container has a reflective inner surface for retaining the energy. The collecting lens focuses the solar energy. Central tubing is provided and a pump circulates fluid through the tubing to a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy from the fluid in the tubing to a utilization device.

Abstract: The system for collecting and delivering heat energy with modular heating and cooling apparatus includes of at least one collecting body (20) of belt (94) or plate (95) construction with lateral tubing connection (31) installed within the exterior of the house (1) within the soil trench (3), where the lay-out of axes (98) of more than one soil trench (3) is radial and/or the lay-out of the axes (98) of the trenches (3) is parallel and/or trapezoidal, the system for collecting heat energy also includes the module of controlled ventilation of the house with a soil-air exchange (19), a module for collecting of solar radiation by collectors (6, 63, 7, 60), where the system for collecting and delivering heat energy includes at least one heat transfer body (70) of a belt (94) or plate (95) construction with lateral tubing connection (69) installed within the interior of the house (1) on the surface of the walls, ceiling, floors and/or within the sub-surface construction, where the equipment (2) is located outside a

Abstract: A solar heat powered system has at least one solar collector and a feed line for solar fluid leading away from the solar collector. The feed line is divided into at least two partial lines in sections. There is at least one heat exchanger arranged in each partial line. By dividing the feed line for the solar fluid, the plurality of heat exchangers can each be embodied to be more compact.

Abstract: A solar heat powered system has a circuit for a heat transfer medium and at least one spur line that branches off from the circuit for the heat transfer medium. There is at least one expansion container connected to the at least one spur line. The spur line has a cooling element that has an enlarged surface at least in sections.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for solar energy powered gas processing. There is disclosed a processor assembly for use in heating a process or feed gas by means of a convective heat exchanger which receives solar energy from a focused solar energy collector. A specialized heat exchanger is described, which maximizes the area upon which solar energy can radiate, as well as the available area for heat transfer to the flowing gas. Various modes for operating the processor assembly are described. The apparatus and method may be utilized to heat a gas to drive a heat engine. The apparatus and method also may be used to heat feed gasses to drive a gas processing reaction, such as for steam methane reformation or a reverse water-gas shift reaction.

Abstract: In one aspect, a self-powered pump for heated liquid is provided. The pump includes an airtight container for containing the heated liquid. A heated liquid inlet pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container. A heated liquid outlet is lower than the end of the inlet pipe. A breathing pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container and is higher than both of the outlet and the end of the inlet pipe but lower than an interior side of the container top. An opposite end of the breathing pipe is outside the container, lower than the container base, and is received by an open container such that the opposite end can become submerged in heated liquid accumulated within the open container during pump operation. A fluid or liquid heating system incorporating the self-powered pump may operate without external power for the pump. In another aspect, a fluid heating and storage tank is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for solar energy powered gas processing. There is disclosed a processor assembly for use in heating a process or feed gas by means of a convective heat exchanger which receives solar energy from a focused solar energy collector. A specialized heat exchanger is described, which includes a conical envelope into which a metal tube is spirally wound, such that the tube is coiled into a conical spiral corresponding generally to the envelope. A reflective beam spreader is situated near the vertex of the envelope cone to re-direct incident solar radiation toward the exchanger tube. The apparatus thus has a cavity into which solar energy is focused to be incident upon the exchanger tube to superheat a gas or gas mixture flowing through the tube. The heated gas can be used in various gas reaction processes, such as steam methane reformation, a reverse water-gas shift reaction, or to drive a heat engine.

Abstract: A continuous moving bed solar steam generation and storage system is provided to generate steam for production processes after loss or reduction of received solar energy. The system includes a receiver 10 that receives a flowing stream of particulate material 30 that absorbs solar radiant energy 15 as it passes through beams of the energy 15 received from collectors 14. The heated stream of material 30 passes into a first chamber 40 to heat a tube bundle 42 therein. Heat from the particulate material 30 is transferred to the bundle 42, evaporating the water to generate, reheat (RH) and/or superheat (SH) steam 46. The cooled material 30 passes to a second chamber 60. The material 30 is drained from the second chamber 60 and carried to a cyclone 80 in the receiver 10. The material 30 drains from the cyclone 80 to complete the flow cycle.

Abstract: A solar power generation system includes a solar receiver disposed on a tower that receives radiant heat reflected from a field of solar collectors. The solar receiver includes an evaporator having a plurality of vertically oriented tubes to form a panel for receiving a fluid, such as water and/or steam, wherein the tubes have a rifled internal surface. The fluid within the tubes has a mass flow greater than 0.2×106 lb/hr/ft3 at a pressure in the range of 100-2850 psia, wherein radiant heat fluxes on the outside of the tubes exceed 185,00 but/hr/ft2.

Abstract: A receiver system for harnessing solar radiation. Embodiments of a receiver system include a receiver including one or more receiver elements, each receiver element including: a plurality of transparent tubes including a first tube and at least one second tube at least partially within the first tube; a first passage interposed between the first tube and the at least one second tube, the first passage having an inlet and an outlet; a second passage within the at least one second tube, the second passage having an inlet and an outlet; and an absorber in the at least one second tube, the absorber adapted to absorb the solar radiation. In some embodiments, a receiver further includes a housing having at least one transparent portion, the housing configured to enclose the plurality of receiver elements, whereby a third passage is formed between the first tube and the housing.

Abstract: A liquid-heating system has a solar energy collector exposed to solar radiation, a geothermal heat exchanger buried in the ground at a depth between 0.5 m and 5 m, a heater through which a liquid to be heated passes, and a heat pump having a sink side connected to the heater and a source side connected to the geothermal heat exchanger or to the solar energy collector. A first controller or valve setup connected to the heat collector can in one position connect the solar energy collector to the water heater such that heat collected by the solar energy collector is applied to the water heater. In another position it can connect the solar energy collector to the geothermal heat exchanger such that heat collected by the solar energy collector is applied to the ground surrounding the geothermal heat exchanger.

Abstract: This invention relates to the collection of sunlight for heat which is used for heating and for the conversion of heat to electricity. Where a large area of land is prepared then covered with a solar collecting film of plastic or glass. The air or water under the film being heated is then circulated around the inside of the collector over a heat exchanger. The solar collector is insulated from the ground it is constructed on and uses stone or water to retain the heat. The retained heat can extended the working time of the collector beyond the time when the sun sets. This heat exchanger carries a working fluid such as Freon that is used to perform work such as spinning an electric generator.

Abstract: A bivalent water-heating system includes a water-storage tank having at least one wall defining an interior storage cavity configured for storing water to be heated. The storage cavity includes an upper-cavity and lower-cavity portions. A non-solar heating unit is situated at least partially in the upper-cavity portion and includes a combustion chamber defined by at least one wall through which heat produced by the combustion of fuel is transferred to stored water located within the upper-cavity portion.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collector includes a receptacle and a tube positioned within the receptacle and having a closed end. The tube includes a divider cross-sectionally bifurcating the tube. The divider is spaced apart from the closed end of the tube to allow fluid communication between two bifurcated portions of the tube. A fluid is circulated through the two bifurcated portions of the tube for transferring of the solar thermal energy.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting assembly useful for transferring solar heat to a heat utilizing system via heat transfer fluid flow, comprising anisotropic graphite sheets coupled to a pipe containing heat transfer fluid , and various configurations and embodiments. Methods useful for extracting collected solar heat and transferring said heat to a heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A solar energy turbine includes solar energy trap (1110) having a chamber with an inlet port (12), such that solar energy (13) entering the chamber through the inlet port is absorbed and reflected within the chamber means until substantially all the solar energy is absorbed by the chamber. Preferably, the inlet port is arranged to cause photons of the solar energy entering the chamber to circulate substantially in a single direction within the chamber until absorbed, such that on re-passing the inlet port substantially no photons emerge from the inlet port. The solar energy turbine includes a heat exchanger (1150, 1160, 1170) for extracting energy from the solar energy trap to drive a turbine (1120).

Abstract: A high efficiency flat panel collector is disclosed using an integral supercritical heat transfer, and a series of fail-safe mechanisms. Using the preferred configuration with solar concentrators and integral energy conversion devices, including the further preferred utilization of ionic liquids or ionic liquid polymers as the working fluid in the system, achieves optimal total energy efficiency. Strategic use of the flat panel collector can further yield enhanced functionality of mechanical pumps, heat pumps, and expansion energy transformation devices.

Abstract: Solar panel for water-heater of the type comprising a heat exchanger made of moulded synthetic material, having a plurality of passages 7 in which a heat-exchanging fluid can circulate and a translucent cover sheet 17 attached to the exchanger with a clearance, characterized in that the heat exchanger constitutes the brace supporting the panel and consists of two identical half-shells 1a, 1b furnished with parallel longitudinal central projecting ribs 2a, 2b and one projecting edging rib 4a, 4b of greater dimension than a central rib, the two half-shells being bonded or heat sealed so that the central ribs define the abovementioned passages 7 and that the respective edging ribs 4a, 4b define a sealed hollow edging frame full of insulating air confined on the periphery of the exchanger.

Abstract: A method for generating energy from concentrated solar radiation by photovoltaic and thermally useable solar cells in which the absorbed heat radiation evaporates a fluid which drives a turbine connected to a generator.